Education Requirement in WAC
School-age care providers must meet certain education for their role (WAC 110-301-0100). Providers are able to complete any college coursework from a nationally accredited college or university. You can reach out to the school of your choice to create an education plan.
ECE Stackable Certificates
If your role lists required education, the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Stackable Certificates might be an option for you. Print out the Stackable Certificates guide.
- Stackable Certificates build on one another.
- They lead into an associate degree in ECE and beyond.
- They’re offered throughout the state and are available in-person and online.
GO TO THE CAREER PLANNING PORTAL FOR MORE INFORMATION
Equivalents
Equivalents are alternative ways to meet the education requirement in WAC. Currently, school-age providers only have the experience-based competency demonstration option.
An experience option is available and providers will be able to select it in MERIT in the future. Providers with two years of experience before June 1, 2021, and who have maintained their training history as needed for their role may choose this option to meet licensing staff qualification.
This experience option is available to site directors and lead teachers with the stated education requirement in WAC 110-301-0100.
- Seven years in a licensed facility (or will have by June 1, 2026) as listed in MERIT.
- Completed all training requirements each year:
- School-Age Basics and 10 in-service (STARS) hours each year:
- Maintained compliance with all renewable health and safety training in all years:
- Includes: CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid, and Food Handlers.
- Providers will select how they will meet their education requirements in MERIT.
- No immediate action needed or possible until this is available.
Please note: This experience option is not available for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) staff qualifications or Early Achievers professional development points.